Un-biased. Scientifically Sound.

Tree Assessments/Risk Assessments

We are frequently retained by a variety of clients, even including full-service tree care companies, to provide independent assessments of trees. And, because we have no conflicts of interest, we will provide un-biased and scientifically based opinions to help guide often difficult management decisions. Our tree assessments are often visual inspections of the rooting zone, root flares, main trunk, scaffold limbs and small limbs. Our arborists use binoculars to inspect trees from the ground, or if there is a problem high in the tree that needs closer inspection we will use a climber to ascend the tree.

Our risk assessments utilize a resistograph machine in an effort to determine the amount of sound wood, or “shell thickness,” present in the root flare, main trunk, or even on portions of the tree higher in the canopy. We use this information, along with widely accepted industry guidelines for shell thickness, to help in making tree retention decisions. Keith Pitchford is an ISA certified tree risk assessor (#922) and, as such, is uniquely qualified to provide these time intensive assessments.

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Testimonials

“I have been working with Pitchford Associates for nearly 10 years and the experience has been first class. Keith and his team have been professional, responsive and thoughtful. They have helped me navigate the challenges associated with a large scale, environmentally sensitive project with intense public scrutiny. They have worked collaboratively with our landscape architects…Learn more

-Matt Valentini, VP, The JBG Companies, Bethesda, MD

“Keith Pitchford has been the consulting arborist to the Washington National Cathedral horticultural staff since 2000. he has served a number of directors in this role, providing annual tree inspections, risk assessments and tree protection efforts for the church’s many projects. We have been fortunate to have his expertise, professionalism and guidance over the past…Learn more

“Mr. Pitchford has been consulting at Tudor Place for 12 years, helping us to monitor our trees’ health and care. He performs annual inspections of our tree collection, which leads to our tree management decisions. Mr. Pitchford has always been professional, reliable and knowledgeable.”

-S. Bouchard, Dir. of Grounds and Horticulture, Tudor Place Historic Home and Garden, Washington, DC

“Streetscape Partners is presently involved with Keith Pitchford, from Pitchford Associates, on two of our large-scale development projects in the Washington, DC region. There are tree conflicts on both sites. We rely on Keith’s input to chose the best tree preservation candidates, and to assist us in developing design strategies and tree care programs for…Learn more

“As one of the most qualified consulting arborists in the area, Keith Pitchford, of Pitchford Associates has provided a variety of services to Go Ape Treetop Adventure. Keith provides annual inspections, and timely and detailed risk assessments of our trees after significant storms such as Hurrican Sandy, the derecho storm in July 2012, and 2014’s…Learn more

-D. D’Agostino, Director, US Operations, GoApe Treetop Adventure

“Keith has been an invaluable asset to me on projects involving tree protection in construction sites. He understands the steps necessary to protect specimen trees, and speaks the language of home builders. Builders and developers respect his years of experience and accumulated knowledge. It seems that I have learned everything about trees from Keith and…Learn more

-H. Kuhn, tree advocate – Mont. Co., MD

Keith Pitchford perfectly combines a deep working knowledge of trees with an understanding of how their preservation can be core to success of a construction project in their vicinity. The implementation of his tree preservation strategies will ensure that mature trees have a high chance of survival which adds immediate stature and value to any…Learn more